New Faces, Old Faces, and Others from Week 1 and 2

The first couple of weeks of the season have brought about some performances from new and old faces on the prep scene. From north to south, there have been players who have shown that they can hoop in the Boot. In this PH Louisiana exclusive, we will talk about new and old faces who have had small coming out parties the first weeks of the season.

Maurice Cason (5’10” | Southwood)

Cason had one of the best opening games of the season and showed that he would be a key factor in the success Southwood has this season. His 22 point performance at Neville displayed his long range shooting ability along with his ability to put the ball on the deck. Cason has range out to 24 feet and is very good at spotting up. He did not drive much last season so his drives were a surprise. Cason was good at creating and absorbing contact while still attempting a shot. His play was a key factor in the opening win for the Pokes.

Tra’Vone Varner (6’2″ | Neville)

He may be a new face on the varsity scene; however, Varner displayed every part of what his floor game possesses. Tra’Vone was very good with making good decisions from the high post. He would turn and attack the defender and depending on the commitment by the defender, he either scored or made the correct pass. Varner also made good plays in transition either scoring or passing. His guard play was full of winning plays that will help the Tigers in the future.

Jeremiah Evans Jeremiah Evans 6'10" | PF Southwood | 2024 State #145 Nation LA (6’9″ | Southwood)

Evans had a double-double to open the season and placed his full repertoire on display. He was very good on the glass offensively and defensively. His offensive rebounding was essential in Southwood making threes at times. On offense, he showed his shooting ability from distance and in the mid-range. He does not put players in the rim, but he did convert several layups that made a big difference in the Cowboy win.

Jonathan Stokes (6’0″ | Green Oaks)

Stokes was on fire offensively and defensively in the Green Oaks win versus Camden Fariview (Arkansas). On the defensive end, he was instrumental in a lot of the turnovers that the Giants caused. Stokes had an even better offensive game as he showcased the ability to nail the corner three consistently as well as using the dribble to beat his man one-on-one. His shooting was big when Fairview cut the lead to four and his game high 21 helped secure the win for Green Oaks.

Fred’Travious Benjamin Fred’Travious Benjamin 6'2" | SG Green Oaks | 2023 State LA (6’2″ | Green Oaks)

The Giant senior showed why he is an all-district performer with his rebounding, scoring, and defending effort on the first day of the Thanksgiving Classic. Benjamin was troublesome when he got downhill. When he got to the rim, he was always on balance using the jump stop and powering up with two feet. Benjamin also powered through contact and finished at the rim repeatedly. He finished with 13 points in the win finishing mostly at the rim.

Marques Wilson Marques Wilson 6'4" | SF Green Oaks | 2025 State LA (6’4″ | Green Oaks)

The rangy forward from Green Oaks had his hands in everything against Camden Fairview. His offensive rebounding and his ability to deflect passes secured extra possessions for the Giants on several occasions. Wilson did all of his scoring around the cup with layups and putbacks. While he did not put up big numbers offensively, it was the use of his capability to fill the stat sheet that helped Green Oaks prevail. G

Green Oaks and Southwood are part of the large contingency around the state playing in holiday tournaments and classics. Watch for these new and old faces, along with others, as the season progresses.